Soccer-Rice hoping to persuade Arsenal team mate White to return to England fold

Soccer Football - International Friendly - England v Brazil - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - March 23, 2024 England's Declan Rice applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo

(Reuters) - Midfielder Declan Rice said he and other Arsenal players will try to persuade team mate Ben White to change his mind and make himself available for England duty.

England coach Gareth Southgate said the in-form Arsenal defender, who has not featured for England since leaving the World Cup camp in November 2022, had asked not to be considered for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

With the European Championship starting on June 14, Southgate had said it would be difficult to choose White over the players who have played for England in friendly games during the international break.

"(White) is a really unique player because he can play three positions," Rice told reporters ahead of England's match against Belgium later on Tuesday.

"In tournaments that's so key. He can play centre-back, he can play right-back, he can play inverted full-back.

"When I get back I can have a conversation with him and see the ins and outs and see what he thinks. I would love him to come. I think Bukayo (Saka) would. I think Aaron Ramsdale would.

"We're all going to be on him when we get back (at Arsenal after the international break). Hopefully he can change his mind."

(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)